Austin Insider Blog

This blog, written and curated by Visit Austin staff, shares the things that visitors love and locals can't get enough of.

Armadillo Christmas Bazaar 2023

It's the most wonderful time of the year and time for a new rendition of one of Austin's favorite old holiday traditions, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Taking over the Palmer Events Center for 6 days, from December 15-23, 2023, stop by to do some holiday shopping or just come and kick back by the…

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Visiting Austin's Trail of Lights

The holidays are here, and one of the best ways to celebrate in Austin is by visiting the city’s 59th Annual Trail of Lights. From December 8-23, 2023 (closed Mondays), Zilker Park transforms into a winter wonderland as it's lit up by more than 2 million lights, 90 lighted holiday trees and more…

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Austin Holiday Shopping Guide

Whether you’re ready or not, it’s time to start thinking about your 2023 holiday gift list. If you’re looking for something really special or even one-of-a-kind for your friends and family, look no further than these local, handmade shopping events and markets in Austin, running from Black Friday to…

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The Ultimate Guide to Holidays in Austin

Spending the holidays in Austin? Celebrate like a local and join in some of our city’s most beloved holiday traditions, from over-the-top holiday lights displays to shopping markets and live performances of Christmas classics. It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Holiday Lights Displays…

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Texas Book Festival 2023

The annual Texas Book Festival (TBF) takes place each November at the Texas State Capitol grounds. Free and open to the public, the 28 th annual festival featured more than 300 authors and more than 200 sessions, including programming for adults, young adults, middle-grade readers and children. The…

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LEVITATION Music Festival 2023

LEVITATION is bringing four packed days of music Red River Cultural District and East Austin. Originally created as a way to showcase local music and visual arts, Levitation has grown to include a record label, clothing and art, online sessions and more. Experience the best year of LEVITATION yet…

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Things to Do for Halloween in Austin 2023

If you're looking for a good ghost story, not only does Austin have some ghoulish ones to tell, the city is also full of festive ways to celebrate Halloween. From scary movies, haunted houses and parties at your favorite local bars to kid-friendly events like corn mazes and Boo at the Zoo, here are…

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ACL Music Festival Survival Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Attending ACL Festival October is one of Austin’s busiest months of the year with multiple annual music festivals and large events happening. Of them all, one of the most popular is Austin City Limits Festival which derives its name from the longest running music…

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Top Local Artists to Watch at ACL Fest

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The long-awaited Austin City Limits Music Festival makes its return to Zilker Park with two full weekends of live music across nine stages on October 6-8 and October 13-15, 2023. With each passing year, ACL seems to outdo itself with its lineup of star…

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Viva la Vida Festival & Parade

Each year, Mexic-Arte Museum celebrates the tradition of Día de los Muertos in Austin. During Viva la Vida Festival & Parade, the city's largest and longest-running Día de los Muertos event, visitors will experience a street festival and a parade down the iconic Congress Avenue, bringing together a…

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